Sheffield researcher wins prestigious periodontal research award

Bruna Dias Carvalho da Costa, PhD researcher, has received the Sir Wilfred Fish Prize from the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, recognising her research into the metabolic changes that may drive gum disease.

A researcher from the University of Sheffield’s School of Clinical Dentistry has received a prestigious award for investigating the biological processes underlying gum disease and exploring potential new approaches to treatment.

Bruna Dias Carvalho da Costa was awarded the Sir Wilfred Fish Prize by the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (BSP) following the presentation of her PhD research. The prize recognises excellence in periodontal research and gives early-career researchers an opportunity to share their work with experts in the field.

Bruna’s research explores what happens inside gum tissues as they progress from gingivitis, a reversible form of gum inflammation, to periodontitis, a more severe disease that can destroy the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. She is also investigating whether metformin, a medication commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, could help modify these processes.

While much periodontal research has focused on bacteria and inflammation, Bruna takes a complementary approach, investigating how cells produce and use energy during inflammation and whether changes in these processes influence disease progression.

Her PhD research, conducted at the University of Sheffield under the supervision of Dr Vitor Neves and Professor Graham Stafford, uses experimental models and metabolomics to investigate the small molecules involved in cellular metabolism.

Her findings have identified distinct metabolic profiles associated with periodontal health, gingivitis and periodontitis. She is also investigating the potential to repurpose metformin to influence these metabolic processes. Findings from her experimental model suggest that metformin can alter the metabolic environment of periodontal tissues and reduce bone loss.

By identifying metabolic changes associated with disease progression, the research could help uncover new therapeutic targets and inform future approaches to preventing and treating periodontal disease.

The Sir Wilfred Fish Prize competition involved Bruna submitting her research for consideration and presenting her findings to an expert audience, where the scientific merit and quality of the presentation were assessed.

For Bruna, receiving the award marks an important milestone in her academic career and provides encouragement to continue investigating the mechanisms underlying periodontal disease.

She said: “Receiving the Sir Wilfred Fish Prize is an incredible honour, and having my research recognised by the periodontal community is both rewarding and motivating.

“My ambition as a researcher is to understand not only how periodontal disease develops, but why inflammation progresses to irreversible tissue destruction in some circumstances. I believe that exploring the metabolic changes underlying this transition could help us identify new therapeutic targets and ultimately develop more effective ways to prevent and treat periodontal disease.”

The award also provides an opportunity to share her findings with the wider scientific community and develop collaborations. Looking ahead, Bruna hopes to combine clinical dentistry with research, helping translate scientific discoveries into improvements in patient care.

She added: “This award is particularly meaningful because it reinforces the importance of asking new questions and exploring different perspectives in periodontal research. It encourages me to continue developing my work and pursuing my long-term ambition of bridging fundamental scientific discoveries with clinical practice, so that our research can ultimately make a meaningful difference to patients.”

Dr Vitor Neves, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Periodontology, said: “Bruna’s success is a wonderful recognition of the quality of her research and her ability to communicate complex science effectively. I’m delighted to see her work recognised with the Sir Wilfred Fish Prize, and proud of the dedication and commitment she has shown throughout her research.

“Her achievement also highlights the research environment we are building at Sheffield. Our aim is to produce excellent science while developing researchers who can become future leaders in the field. Bruna’s success demonstrates exactly what we are working towards.”

Bruna is part of the research group led by Dr Vitor Neves, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Periodontology, at the University of Sheffield.

The group investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin oral tissue health, disease and regeneration, with a particular focus on stem cell biology, ageing and metabolism. By combining laboratory research with clinical investigation, the team aims to better understand how biological processes contribute to periodontal disease and how this knowledge could inform new approaches to prevention and treatment.

Through its research, the group contributes to the wider work of the University of Sheffield’s School of Clinical Dentistry to advance understanding of oral health and support the development of new approaches to periodontal care.